The prevalence of coronary risk factors among children, ages 11 to 13, in selected Western Cape schools

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Numerous studies have shown that coronary artery disease (CAD) has its origin inchildhood. Several risk factors that increase a person's risk for the development of CADare prevalent amongst children. South African statistics concerning the prevalence ofthese risk factors are limited.Research has shown that early intervention to eliminate risk factors can decrease therisk for the development of CAD.The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of certain coronary riskfactors amongst children aged 11 to 13 years in certain Western Cape schools. Certainselected factors were tested. These included obesity, lack of physical activity,hypertension, low physical fitness (V02max), a family history associated with anincreased risk, exposure to cigarette smoke, prevalence of diabetes mellitus and anunhealthy diet.The sample consisted out of 288 children and was made up by 154 boys and 134 girls.Certain anthropometrical measurements (stature, weight, skinfoids, waist and hipcircumferences) were taken. Activity levels, family history, exposure to cigarette smoke,prevalence of diabetes mellitus and diet, were measured by means of questionnaires.Physical fitness (V02max) was tested with a three-minute step-test. Asphygmomanometer was used to measure blood pressure. Depending on thecircumference of the child's arm, a paediatric or adult size cuff was used.The results of the study showed that 22.01% of the boys and 59.7% of the girls had apercentage body fat so high that it was considered a coronary risk factor. Physicalfitness levels were considered risk factors in 2.6% of the boys and 9% of the girls. Avery high percentage of the children tested had a family history associated with anincreased risk for the development of CAD (73.38% of the boys and 78.36% of the girls).Systolic hypertension was prevalent among 22.01% of the boys and 23.13% of the girls. Diastolic hypertension was only prevalent among 5.19% of the boys and 5.97% of thegirls. Low activity levels were considered a risk factor in 31.17% of the boys and39.55% of the girls. Out of all the subjects, 32.47% of the boys and 37.31% of the girlswere exposed to cigarette smoke on a daily basis.The results of this study shows that certain coronary risk factors are quite commonamongst children. Prevention programmes that focuses on elimination of coronary riskfactors, such as hypertension, inactivity and obesity, is essential for the prevention ofsubsequent coronary artery disease in adults.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University